We believe….

Children should always feel safe, secure and respected.

Children learn most effectively by being actively involved with other learners in a supportive environment.

Children learn through play and it is through the context of play that they make sense of their world.

Therefore we …..

Provide a child- centered, play based learning program, based on the learning principles outlined in the NSW Curriculum framework and the National Years Learning framework – ‘Belonging, Being and Becoming’

Encourage and support each child as they are led through an inclusive, play based learning program which acknowledges and supports each child’s sense of self and wellbeing.

Encourage children to explore and question through discovery and research.

Challenge children both physically and cognitively which fuels imagination, builds problem solving skills and develops creativeness and critical thinking.

We believe…..

Each child’s development evolves through their connection from birth with parents, family, community and culture.

Trust, respect and collaboration form the basis for strong partnerships between families and staff.

Family involvement is integral to providing a high quality program to our families.

Therefore we…..

Strive toward building a strong sense of belonging by acknowledging and working in partnership with each child’s community of learners.

Strive toward providing an unhurried, supportive, knowledgeable, inclusive and friendly place for children and families.

Strive toward being the Early Childhood Educational centre of our Freshwater community; supporting and encouraging social connection.

We believe…

Children learn through collaboration and communication with other children and adults and through interacting with the environment.

All children are competent, resilient and capable. We acknowledge that children have different interest that inspire them to discover and learn, and that they learn and develop in different ways and at different rates.

That diversity within our families, staff and wider community should be respected and celebrated and that we play an important role in fostering and developing a social conscience among children.

Therefore we…….

Draw on a wide range of teaching and environment strategies to support children’s learning, recognizing that children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them.

Implement a multi-dimensional approach to diversity which includes not just strategies to enrich through difference but also strategies to actively manage bias when it occurs.

Provide an educational program that is play and interest based. That is intentional, inspiring, where children are empowered to contribute, encouraged to be reflective, and supported in independent thought and risk taking.

The Harbord Kindergarten community embodies professionalism, inclusion, innovation, integrity, service and care.

We value and cherish our beautiful and vibrant location and environment – our village by the sea.

We are recognised by our reputation and commitment to providing high quality early childhood education and strive to maintain this.

Harbord Kindergarten is working towards a future wherein….

The promise and potential of each individual is recognised.

Our Families and our Community are educated on best practice, the importance and value of early childhood education and the importance of working in partnership.

Our Kindergarten is valued as a high quality children’s service and is well resourced.

Staff have a strong sense of belonging, are support, inspired, cared for and respected.

That all of the Kindergarten’s employees continue in their commitment to achieving our vision and goals and upholding our values.

They recognise that we are a community of learners where children and adults in all their diversity are welcomed, respected and encouraged to contribute and grow.

That we continue to support families and the community as we acknowledge and understand that children’s lives and development are enhanced when their families and communities are strengthened.

That we continue to recognise that we all contribute to the wellbeing of the environment we live in.